Wife Swapping Hits Sharing Economy

Just kidding! Happy April Fools 2012 :-)

It was only a matter of time before dating sites got into the game. Up until now, the sharing economy has been limited to cars, designer dresses, and books: objects. For the first time ever, people are on offer.

Popular social network and dating site OKCupid has developed a new category for users seeking temporary love and companionship. Previously, participants were limited to just a few types of relationship: new friends, long-term dating, activity partners and casual sex. The latest category is sure to turn some heads: short-term spouse.

Said Tyrell Sampson, OKCupid’s Director of Placement, “OKCupid has always been on the cusp of new trends, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in interest in romantic relationships without a sexual component. ‘Short-term spouse’ is a great option for people who are just looking for a nice home cooked meal or someone to watch CSI: Miami with.”

It also turns out to be a great option for those lonely husbands or wives whose spouses are out of town on business.

One of the first users of the new site selection is user WarmItUpKris, a 33-year-old software engineer from the suburbs of Chicago. “Don’t get me wrong, I love my wife,” he told TriplePundit by Instant Message, “but when she’s out of town, the house just seems a bit too dark. The “short-term spouse” option makes it clear I’m not in the market for any funny business, but I’d love to share some Chinese takeout and curl up on the couch in my sweatpants.”

WarmItUpKris’ wife is a Project Manager with PriceWaterhouseCoopers who travels 50% time and works long hours when she is on the road. We spoke to her while she was on the treadmill at an Extended Stay America in Plano, TX. “I love it that Chris has some companionship when I’m away,” she panted. “I don’t feel threatened at all. The last short termer emptied the dishwasher and cleaned the cat box! It’s like I’m in two places at once!”

A staffer from James Dobson’s Focus on the Family headquarters, when alerted to the new designation, said, “Traditional family values are always under assault, and it’s a pleasure to see young people turning their attention to the values that hold families together: commitment, comfort and companionship… It’s just for straight people, right?”

Interestingly, the Receptionist at Kink.com also spoke positively about the new option. “It takes all kinds. Some people get off on that kind of thing.”

Jen is editor in chief of TriplePundit. She has an MBA in Sustainable Management from the Presidio Graduate School and lives in Oakland with her husband and baby. Hit her up at on twitter @jenboynton to discuss diapering strategies or sustainability reporting methodology.